DAFF 25A53 - Music, Identity and Politics in the Middle East

From the patriotic hymns sung against the Mandate powers, to the Hip Hop songs that galvanised the youths on the Tahrir Square, music surely has had a great impact on Middle Eastern contemporary history. Yet, one has to assess the evolution of the role of music in politics, and the identity changes that music points out. Relying on different critical and sociological approaches, this class is intended to study the contemporary Middle East with music. Through the analysis of the backstage (the influence of the political context), the stage (the artists and performers, the different styles of music and their meanings) and the public (the reactions to and mobilisation of music in social and political practices), this course aims at sounding power and identity relations in the area.

Aghiad GHANEM

Séminaire

English

Spring 2021-2022

Throughout the semester, students will have to make a musical presentation (an oral presentation based on musical contents - 50%) and write a biography of either a musical actor (musician, performer, composer, producer - 40%) or a political actor who is linked to music. Oral presentation will account for the remaining 10% of the grade.